The green-stained ivory grip is carved with a delicacy that recalls many ivory objects made for the Ottoman court. The blade is inscribed in Turkish and Persian, the languages used at the Ottoman court: I besought a drink of water from your trenchant dagger, what if but once you should let me drink, what would you lose? If I thirst, his dagger is not laid down.

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Inscription: Blade inscribed in Turkish and Persian: "I besought a drink of water from your trenchant dagger, what if but once you should let me drink, what would you lose? If I thirst, his dagger is not laid down."

Marking: On acanthus-shaped chape: mark of Turkish silver-smith

Provenance

George Cameron Stone, New York (until d. November 18, 1935; his bequest to MMA).

Exhibition History

New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Islamic Art. "Bright Side of Battle," January 17–September 1, 1985.